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News | April 25, 2011

C-130s continue support of firefighting efforts in Texas and Mexico

By NORAD and USNORTHCOM Public Affairs

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. – Six Department of Defense C-130 aircraft equipped with U.S.D.A. Forest Service, Modular Airborne Fire Fighting Systems and under the command and control of U.S. Northern Command, continue to support firefighting efforts in Texas and Mexico.

Two C-130s, from the 302nd Airlift Wing at Peterson Air Force Base, Colo. are deployed to Laughlin AFB, TX at the request of the Mexican government to assist the Comisión Nacional Forestal (CONAFOR) control the wildfires in the Mexico state of Coahuila.

Four C-130s, from Wyoming, North Carolina, and California Air National Guard are deployed to Dyess AFB, TX to assist the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) control fires in south Texas.

As of late Friday night, DoD aircraft have completed the following:

In support of the Government of MEXICO:
-- 8 air drops
-- 24,000 gallons of retardant

In support of the State of TEXAS:
-- 1 air drop -- 3,000 gallons of retardant

Weather in Texas allowed ground crews to battle fires limiting the number of MAFFS airdrops needed.